LAOS - Leadership Interview Questions Based on the 4 Domains

Here are 40 sample questions based on the Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) framework tailored for the Irish school setting:

Domain 1: Leading Learning and Teaching

1. How would you ensure the effective implementation of Síolta and Aistear in the school?

2. How would you monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across all classrooms?

3. How do you ensure continuity and progression in literacy and numeracy?

4. Can you describe a time you implemented a whole-school initiative to improve student learning outcomes?

5. How would you use assessment data to inform planning and teaching?

6. How do you promote inclusive practices in teaching and learning?

7. Describe how you would support teachers in embedding digital technologies in their teaching.

8. How would you ensure differentiated teaching methods are used to cater to all pupils' needs?

9. How would you address underachievement among a group of students in a specific subject?

10. How do you ensure that student voice is included in curriculum development and review?

Domain 2: Managing the Organisation

11. How would you allocate resources to ensure the school’s vision for learning is realised?

12. How would you manage a situation where a teacher refuses to implement agreed whole-school initiatives?

13. Describe how you would conduct a staff meeting focused on improving the school’s DEIS targets.

14. What steps would you take to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all pupils and staff?

15. How would you handle a parental complaint about a teacher?

16. What procedures would you follow when dealing with a serious breach of the school code of behaviour?

17. How would you ensure compliance with child protection policies?

18. How would you implement a schedule for SSE that involves all stakeholders effectively?

19. What structures would you put in place to support the professional development of staff?

20. Describe how you would manage the transition of a new teacher or staff member into the school.

Domain 3: Leading School Development

21. What is your vision for the school, and how does it align with the LAOS framework?

22. How would you ensure that the school’s DEIS action plan is reviewed and updated regularly?

23. Describe how you would foster a culture of innovation among staff.

24. How would you involve parents and the wider community in the school’s development?

25. How would you balance maintaining the school’s ethos with introducing new initiatives?

26. How would you communicate changes in policy or curriculum to staff, parents, and the BOM?

27. How would you integrate extracurricular and co-curricular activities into the school’s development plan?

28. How would you approach promoting the Irish language and culture within the school?

29. Describe how you would collaborate with the BOM and other stakeholders in setting long-term goals for the school.

30. What processes would you put in place to ensure the school remains compliant with all DES regulations?

Domain 4: Developing Leadership Capacity

31. How would you identify and nurture leadership potential among staff members?

32. What strategies would you use to delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability?

33. How would you support teachers in taking on leadership roles for specific projects or initiatives?

34. Describe how you would involve staff in the development and implementation of the school improvement plan.

35. How would you handle a situation where a staff member is reluctant to take on additional leadership responsibilities?

36. What steps would you take to build a collaborative and inclusive culture among the teaching staff?

37. How would you encourage staff to reflect on and improve their professional practice?

38. Describe a time when you mentored or coached a colleague to develop their leadership skills.

39. How would you ensure distributed leadership is effective in achieving school-wide goals?

40. How would you promote a culture of shared responsibility and ownership for the success of the school?

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